GOOD SPORT KNOW_IT_ALL_ 026 VIRGINBLUE THE TALENT SPOTTER As players rest up at the end of the season, Ben Whitaker, Queensland Rugby (QR) Union’s performance rugby manager, is in full swing. :: Can you tell us what your role involves? I oversee the management of the Reds players. I bring talented players from schoolboy representative level to the QR Reds, and recruit and retain elite-level players. :: So are you out there talent spotting at school games all weekend? No, I have to admit I’m a bit lazy. I sit at the desk behind the nerd box and the other boys on my team do the legwork in spotting the players. I’m in control of the contracts. :: Apart from having the ability to play great football, what else do you look for in a player? We definitely look for players that can bring other things to the table, such as leadership skills. We try to identify good leaders but, at the same time, we have a club leadership program that both the staff and players take part in to support this. We place a big emphasis on matching the resources to the culture required. :: What’s the most rewarding part of the job? I think seeing the plans and strategy developed by the coaches, management and myself come into fruition. You see that off the field as well as on the field. It’s also great seeing the players get a spot with state representation. DON’T GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB… THE RABBITOHS’ CUDDLY MASCOT TELLS SHANE CONROY WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME AN NRL SUPERHERO. :: You’re looking good for your age… Thanks. Wingy [Souths recruit Craig Wing] and the boys have been helping me with a bit of a beauty regimen, and I’ve been on the weights with big Roy [Souths prop forward Roy Asotasi]. :: I hear you’ve lost your home at Redfern Oval while they’re renovating the ground. Yeah, I should be back home later this year. They’re doing a great job with the renos – I’ve got a cosy spot picked out right next to the new gym. I’ve been bunking with Russ [Souths co-owner Russell Crowe] in the meantime. The bloke makes a superb bacon-and-egg sanger, but his taste in music is a bit on the nose. :: What’s your advice to a rookie mascot? Just remember that the players have it easy. Not only does a mascot have to be on the go for the whole 80 minutes, but we’re also there pumping up the crowd before the game, at half-time and afterwards. There’s no bludging around on the bloody bench. Those big front- rowers look tough, but try getting tackled by 10-year-olds on a sugar high. It’s a nightmare. :: C’mon Reggie, surely you’re tougher than a bunch of ankle biters? Mate, I’m the toughest bunny you’ll find this side of Wonderland. I’d like to see you keep the crowd cheering while you fend off the opposing mascot with one hand and high-five 10,000 people with the other. :: I reckon I could handle that. What have you got that I don’t? Well, for starters, big floppy ears. What do you call those little things on the side of your scone? :: Hang on. I’m the one asking the questions. And a fine job you’re doing – maybe you should stick to it. :: Fair call. REGGIE RABBIT